What We Like
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Many of today's SUVs are designed with 'coupe-like' design cues to make them look curvy instead of blocky. Buyers have come to expect and appreciate rounded edges and swooping rooflines, which can make a large vehicle seem more compact.
Boxiness, however, has never gone out of style. Think of iconic models, such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Jeep Wrangler, and Range Rover. The first things that come to mind are straight lines and sharp edges, which reflect how tough and capable these SUVs are.
These models, however, have been around for decades and are known to many. The Jaecoo J6, on the other hand, is a new kid on the block hoping to lure drivers who are seeking a boxy electric SUV that can make every drive feel like an adventure. Does it succeed?
A strong mien
From afar, one could easily mistake the J6's silhouette for that of a Land Rover Defender, until you notice the vertical head lights, of course. Whether the styling is accidental or intentional, you can't deny that the J6 gives off a tough and rugged vibe.
'Square-jawed' is a fitting description for the J6, which is filled with right angles from tip to tip. Slim head lights and vertical daytime running lights further enhance this look, while the unpainted bumpers and plastic cladding add to the SUV's robust character.
Walk around to the rear and the J6 reminds you of a Hummer, albeit a compact one. Interestingly, what looks like a cover for the spare tyre turns out to be a cube-shaped container. Pop it open and you'll find a compartment with an elastic strap, which Jaecoo says can be used to stow muddy shoes.
Popping open the tailgate - which opens sideways and to the right - lets you stow larger items in the 450-litre boot. Fold down the rear seats and this expands to an even more useful 1,238 litres. For safety and convenience, the tailgate's strut can be locked in position with a simple twist, preventing it from accidentally slamming into your butt.
That's a surprisingly user-friendly feature from a car that looks like it wants to be taken off-road, preferably during a torrential downpour, so it can be slathered in thick mud. And if the owner doesn't wash it off, so much the better.
The gentler side
Although the J6's exterior suggests it prefers a rough existence that sees it always exposed (or one with) the elements, the interior says otherwise. Yes, like most off-roaders, the cockpit has sizable door handles, and grab handles along the centre console for occupants to steady themselves while off-roading, the rest of the cabin is soft and cushy.
The driver's seat, for instance, is well-padded and has an extendable squab for improved thigh support. The centre armrest, which doubles as a lid for the storage point, is also soft. And instead of hard plastics, most of the dashboard is upholstered, too.
Clearly, even if the J6 gives off an adventurous vibe, it is very much aimed at the modern suburbanite who expects modern creature comforts and digitalisation. Hence, the presence of the 9.2-inch instrument cluster, along with infotainment that's presented on a 15.6-inch touchscreen.
Both have sharp and pleasing graphics, which is again, to be expected. However, the menu layout could still be more intuitive. At first glance, it may seem like the categories are self-explanatory, but for newbies, there's a learning curve to overcome as you slowly figure out where the functions you wish to tweak are located.
The system in this test unit was likely in need of a patch, too, as Apple CarPlay could not be activated. Syncing my smartphone was easy, but I could not get the feature to initialise even when plugged it in using the brand-specific cable.
Another issue I had was with the lack of buttons on the steering wheel. In place of these are two rollers, a customisable shortcut key and a button for activating the voice control function. The climate controls are also in the infotainment, but the vents are movable, so adjusting the airflow direction is simple.
Speaking of easy, getting in and out of the backseat is a cinch, too, as the rear doors open nearly 90 degrees. The flat rear floor means three adults won't be fighting for foot space, while the legroom provided by the 2,715mm wheelbase is relatively decent.
My only grouse here is that the middle passenger will have to contend with a seating surface that's firmer compared to the ones on the outer seats. Also, the seat backs are shorter than expected, so anyone taller than 1.7m will have to raise the headrests to be comfortable.
Traversing terrain
The J6 doesn't just look like it can tackle various types of terrain - it has the potential to do so. Powering it are two electric motors that produce a total of 205kW (275bhp) and 385Nm of torque. With all-wheel drive, the J6 zips from rest to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
The SUV's all-wheel drive is complemented by other key systems that include Vehicle Dynamic Control System (VDC), and Traction Control System (TCS). In addition, the driver can choose from not one, not two or even five, but nine different driving modes.
In theory, the J6 could take on everything from boulders to sand to swamp to snow. But since the most 'off-roading' local drivers would do would be to take the car onto a grassy knoll, having nine modes is overkill.
Then again, it's no different from donning hiking boots and a G-Shock Mudmaster while walking through an air-conditioned shopping mall. Or, wearing a watch that's waterproof to 1,000m while swimming laps in a pool.
The J6 acquaints itself well with our mostly smooth roads, easily does away with undulating surfaces, and dismisses speed bumps without fuss. You don't need 'Sport' mode if you're in a hurry: Just nail the accelerator pedal and the immediacy of the electric motors quietly hurtles the SUV forwards with authority.
What's cool about all this is the view from the driver's seat. The unabashedly square design never leaves your line of sight or peripheral vision, such that my better half even felt like she was in a box. Peering out over the square bonnet, you will feel like going off the beaten path.
The J6 is not intimidating, but it did keep inconsiderate motorists from suddenly cutting into my lane and preventing me from filtering into theirs. That reduces the stresses of daily commutes, making the drive more comfortable.
Having said that, the J6 does need stronger regenerative braking, which would make driving in traffic easier. For now, slowing the car down requires one to use the mechanical brakes, which takes away from the EV driving experience.
Lastly, despite the overall solid feel, some of the J6's plastics make soft creaking noises. To be fair, however, it's only audible when you mute the music volume.
All things considered
The J6 is a unique and attractive proposition, especially from a design perspective. It's a boxy, hardy-looking compact electric SUV that delivers outdoorsy vibes, has a well-equipped and comfortable interior, and boasts more than enough performance for most buyers.
However, it also has its shortcomings. It needs a more user-friendly interface, faster updates, improved regenerative braking, and plastics that don't creak.
But then again, none of these is enough to be a deal-breaker. And for those with a $200,000 budget who are seeking an electric SUV that makes every drive feel like an adventure, this is one contender to take a closer look at.
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